Calopogon

Read about Calopogon in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Calopogon (Greek, beautiful beard, in allusion to the fringed or bearded lip). Orchidaceae. A very attractive native orchid, sometimes planted in bog-gardens and rock-gardens. Flowers magenta-crimson, varying to white, in a loose raceme on a naked scape; sepals and petals all distinct and spreading, the lip narrow at base but broader and hairy above; column winged at summit, not attached to other parts; pollinia 2 in each anther cell.—One species, in bogs and moist meadows, Newfoundland to Fla. and westward. Cathea is an older name, but, because of its general acceptance, Calopogon is retained in the "nomina conservanda" of the Vienna code. A moist and shaded position and very porous soil are most suitable for this pretty plant, although it may do admirably in a rock-garden only slightly shaded at midday if the plants are watered very freely every day during hot or dry weather. Propagated by offsets, separated from the old tubers, but the old established plants should not be disturbed very often. Collected clumps of many native orchids are offered at very reasonable figures, and these give immediate results, while the small offsets would not be strong enough to flower for several years, and require much attention during the first year, or perhaps longer (J. B. Keller). The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

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